Elche striker Jonathas has maintained that he has not gone AWOL, instead pointing the blame at the club for not allowing him back into Spain.

The Brazilian’s future at Martinez Valero remains in the balance following the side’s demotion to La Segunda for non-football reasons.

However, while the 26-year-old is determined to annul the final year of his loan arrangement from Pescara, he insists his absence is not driven by a desire to force the issue.

“I’ve been criticised for not travelling to Elche, but it’s easy to talk without having all the information,” he wrote on Instagram.

“Elche have not given me any documents which allow me to legitimately enter and reside in Spain.

“I’m also owed almost 80 percent of my salary from last season.

“I wish all the best for the club and their fans, but I pray for the fans to understand that I’m also a professional footballer.”

A decision on Jonathas’ contract will be made at an Elche court on Wednesday, the player hoping for a termination on the grounds of owed wages and irregularities in the handling of his residence permit.

The attacker impressed during his maiden season in La Liga, scoring 14 goals in 34 appearances.

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